IERNA's Heating & Cooling Blog : Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

While a large part of the country is getting ready for chilly weather in the coming months, we’re still experiencing temperatures in the 70s and higher. However, even so, our temperatures have cooled off a bit and that actually makes now the perfect time to consider an air conditioning system replacement.

Living in a climate such as ours makes a ductless mini split system a great option. This is because they perform at their best in areas with hot summers and mild winters. We’re excited to share more about these types of systems and the many benefits of them below. Keep reading to learn more!

When many people think of Florida, they think of hot, sunny weather and beaches. This is the reality of life in this area for much of the year, of course. However, it is not a constant state of affairs. What some people fail to realize is that even Florida gets its fair share of chilly weather, and that a great heating system is still a top priority in this part of the country. If you are thinking about having a new heater installed, either now or once the weather really starts to heat up again, we strongly recommend that you consider using a Bryant Evolution® Furnace in Tampa, FL. These systems have a lot to offer homeowners, as you’ll see below.

We may not have very cold winters in this part of the country, but we still do need to have good heating systems installed in our homes if we hope to make it through the chilliest time of the year comfortably. That is why it is so important that you schedule routine heating maintenance on an annual basis. This helps to keep your heater in the best working condition possible. Even so, though, it is inevitable that you will need heating repairs in Tampa, FL eventually. When you do, make sure that it is our number that you dial. It’s always best to have your system repaired promptly, which is why we’d like to provide you with some tips meant to help you spot early warning signs of heater troubles.

Living in this part of the country obviously means that our winter weather is extremely mild when compared to that of the summer season. This does not mean, though, that you can afford to overlook how important it is to have a good heating system installed on your property. Temperatures can and will drop below comfortable levels, and you must be prepared for this when it happens. That being said, though, it is understandable that you may not want an entirely separate heating system installed in your home. That is why using a heat pump in Tampa, FL makes so much sense. Read the following information, and be sure to schedule service with IERNA’s Heating & Cooling if you decide that a heat pump is the right option for your home.

Now that the winter weather is starting to take hold a bit, many homeowners are switching their heaters on with more regularity. Sure, our winter weather is quite mild when compared to the rest of the country, but nighttime temperatures are already dipping below a comfortable level, hovering in the mid-50’s to 60’s. To live in the comfort that you deserve ’round the clock, you are going to need your heating system to operate effectively. You also want to use it efficiently, of course, which is why you may want to use a zone control system in Tampa, FL. Contact IERNA’s Heating & Cooling to learn more about how a zone control system allows you to heat your home efficiently without sacrificing an iota of comfort.

“Winter weather” may be a somewhat relative term, especially for those of us living here in the sunshine state. As intensely hot as it can be around here for much of the year, though, you’ve likely noticed that our weather is shifting into a decidedly cooler direction. Before long, nighttime temperatures will consistently be dipping into the 50’s. While you may enjoy busting out a heavier comforter than usual, you should also know for certain that you have a good heater in place so that you can make it through the chilliest time of the year comfortably. If you suspect that this is the year for a heating replacement in Tampa, FL, give a member of our staff a call today. IERNA’s Heating & Cooling is happy to help.

While we do not use our heaters nearly as much as we do our air conditioners in this part of the country, residents know that uncomfortably cool temperatures are something that we do have to deal with during our, albeit brief, heating season. While our current daytime temperatures are certainly still high enough to warrant the use of our air conditioners, it is dipping down into the low 60’s and even the high 50’s during the nighttime hours. With that in mind, you should remember that those nighttime temperatures are only getting cooler from here on out.

Even if you like to sleep in relatively chilly weather, now is a good time to schedule professional heating maintenance in Tampa, FL. It’s not so chilly that you’ll be put out by having your heater worked on, and heating technicians are more readily available than they’ll be when things start to cool off even further. Let the techs here at IERNA’s Heating & Cooling ensure that your heater is in prime working condition.

Zone control systems are great for conserving energy and achieving customized comfort throughout your home, but occasionally the system can encounter problems. Should a problem develop with your zone control system, it’s best to call an expert for help as the mechanized damper system can be complex. The expert’s at Ierna’s Heating & Cooling have been installing and repairing zone control systems for over 10 years, and we bring this experience to every zone control system repair we have, including the New Port Richey area.

How a Zone Control System Works

Zone control systems are actually a series of dampers installed directly into your supply ducts. Once you and your technician have established the zones in your home, the technician will install the dampers according to the zone plan. The dampers are wired to a main control panel to which each zone’s thermostat is also wired. The main control panel can then maintain each zone’s set temperature by controlling the opening and closing of each damper.

Type of Problems

Here are some of the kinds of problems that can develop with a zone control system:

Problems with a zone thermostat – thermostats can malfunction due to dust and dirt on the instrumentation, incorrect calibration or dying batteries. Thermostats should always be the first place to look when encountering problems with your zone system as thermostats are the control centers for each zone.

Problems with the dampers – sometimes the dampers of the motorized damper component can become stuck, prohibiting the damper from opening and closing as needed. A technician will know how to get into your supply ductwork to determine and repair the problematic damper.

Problems with the main control panel – the main control panel in the system is responsible for taking the information from each zone’s thermostat and controlling the operation of the dampers so that the set temperatures can be maintained. Should there be issues with wiring, electricity or anything else that can interfere with the correct operation of the control panel, problems will likely develop with the system.

As you can see, there is a level of complication to a zone control system, which is why hiring an expert for your zone control system repair in New Port Richey is always the best option.

Here in Florida, it’s not too often during the course of the year that we find ourselves switching on the furnace. But once you do, you may end up discovering that it doesn’t seem to run quite as well as it once did. Your furnace probably isn’t worn down because it’s been overworked over the years. More than likely, your furnace is simply suffering because dirt and debris has built up after a lack of use, or because some of the parts are simply not in the best shape they can be. And if you keep your unit running when it’s not in top condition, you may end up damaging some vital components.

One of the ways to discover these repair needs early on is by calling a professional for heating maintenance every year. During maintenance, a technician inspects your entire system. Some adjustments can be made on the scene, while big jobs may need to be rescheduled for later. Here are some of the most common problems that the experts at Ierna’s Heating & Cooling.

Dirty Flame Sensor: The flame sensor is a safety component that detects when there is no flame present, which then sends out a signal to shut off the gas valve. If this part is too dirty, it may eventually fail to detect a flame, shutting off the gas valve so that you don’t have any heat even when there is no real threat to your safety.

Dirty Filter: Believe it or not, a dirty filter can contribute to a lot of problems with a furnace over the years. If the filter is too dirty, it can restrict airflow to the unit, potentially leading to an overheated chamber, or causing parts to become overworked and worn down. A technician will let you know if the filter is too dirty and may recommend beginning a schedule so that you remember to replace it every few months or so.

Damage to the Flue Pipe: The heating technician will do a thorough inspection of your entire unit, including the portion that helps to vent combustion gases outdoors safely. If there are any potential cracks or rust, or if the vent pipe is the wrong size, the technician may recommend replacing it.

There are a lot of urban legends about the dangers of certain kinds of heating systems, and while there is some truth to certain problems, there are only a few truly dangerous situations that can develop with your furnace. One of these is operating a furnace with a cracked heat exchanger. During annual heating maintenance, your heat exchanger is inspected for corrosion, rust and cracks for safety and function purposes; this is one of many reasons why it’s important to schedule annual maintenance for your furnace. First, we’ll explain what a heat exchanger is.

What Is a Heat Exchanger?

A heat exchanger is the component in your furnace that helps generate the heat that is blown into your home; it also is the component that keeps the toxic combustion byproducts of your furnace’s burner from entering your home. The heat exchanger is a moderately-size serpentine tube that is open on both ends. When the burner ignites, it heats the heat exchanger; while the heat generates, combustion byproducts like noxious gases and soot enter the bottom of the heat exchanger and flow up. The top of the heat exchanger is connected directly to your furnace’s flue, and the toxic byproducts flow directly outside. The warm air generated outside the heat exchanger is blown into your ductwork.

What Happens With a Cracked Heat Exchanger?

The main problem that can occur with a cracked heat exchanger is that the toxic byproducts – including gases like carbon monoxide – can escape during operation and be blown into your living spaces. Additional problems can be poor performance and an inability of the system to meet your heating needs.

Why Does a Heat Exchanger Crack?

One of the main causes of cracking is age. The average heat exchanger has a lifespan of 15-18 years, similar to that of the lifespan of your furnace. Over time, the constant heating and cooling of the heat exchanger’s metal can weaken it, eventually causing cracking. A second cause of cracking is the development of rust or corrosion on the heat exchanger; corrosion can make a heat exchanger prone to cracking.

Heat exchangers cannot be repaired if they are cracked; replacement is required to repair your heating in Lutz.

If you suspect your heat exchanger may not be working properly, call the experts at Ierna’s Heating & Cooling today!